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get the bike up and running again . “ It was totally brilliant ,” he enthuses . “ It was an incredible experience and despite my total lack of MX ability and inappropriate bike I loved absolutely every second of it . I just hope I can be here next year !”
That will be a diary entry for 28 February to 2 March 2025 , then Jim .
Meanwhile , in the main tent , people gathered to listen to interviews with Tassie-based adventure bike rider Jeremy Torr on riding in Eastern Europe , the Arctic , and SE Asia , plus a great live interview with national-level trials and enduro rider Tim Coleman who spoke about his time riding stunt bikes in the movies as well . Inspiring stuff .
To round off the all-comers and family vibe , there was early morning yoga on the beach ( and a swim session or those tough enough to brave the water temperature ). Groups of campers formed , dotted across the paddock , enjoying beers , and BBQing burgers as the kids buzzed about on balance bikes and Pee-Wees , and the glorious Autumn sun sank behind the trees and lit up Schouten Island and the Freycinet Hazards across the other side of the bay . Idyllic ? That only touches the surface . “ What we ( wanted to build ) was a group of people connecting through their common passion . Leaving their day to day lives behind to spend time with like minded people and creating new friendships ," said Withington before the event .
Job done , Brett . We spoke to loads of people , and didn ’ t hear one negative comment all weekend , about anything . At all .
As one attendee , Greg Casimaty , urged as he left , “ Do yourself a favour and get along to the Spoke Festival next year . Location is perfect and coupled with good old-fashioned hospitality . Suitable for all riders and abilities in a laid-back atmosphere ... Put it on your bucket list for next year , NOW !”
But one of the most telling comments about the weekend didn ’ t come from a biker at all , but one of the staff at a drinks stall .
“ I ’ ve travelled around quite a bit , but never on a bike . Now , after being here and listening to what you people have got up to , I reckon I might just give it a try next year ,” she laughed . JT
SPOKE will be held between February 28 and March 2 , 2025 , in the same picturesque location , Mayfield Estate , Tasmania . More information can be found at spokemcfestival . com . au
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